It truly was an honor and a privilege to spend a little time with J-Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies this past Friday at KPFK. Though he has been as prominently focused on outside of turntablist and Hip-Hop culture, almost anyone who knows anything about DJ culture from the last 20 years would place J-Rocc as one of the top DJs around. He was a co-founder of the Beat Junkies back in 1992, a crew that includes other living legends in Babu, Rhettmatic, Melo D and Shortkut, he was essentially the third member of JayLib along with Madlib and J Dilla (kinda like Billy Preston was essentially the fifth Beatle in 1969 though he never formally joined the group) collaborating heavily with both men. He’s now released his first proper album of original compositions, Some Cold Rock Stuf, on Stones Throw. He talked to us about the new record, the recording process, his thoughts the digital revolution in music, on Serato and its effect on DJ-ing and a few other things. I’m really hoping at some point in the future he’ll be able to come in to spin more, maybe one day we can convince him to do a show at KPFK…Enjoy the set and the interview!
Guest DJ Set from J-Rocc on KPFK’s Melting Pot
J-Rocc Interview on KPFK’s Melting Pot: Recorded 04-22-2011
Selections:
Madlib – Untitled Beat
Oh No – Untitled Beat
Ol Dirty Bastard – Shimmy Shimmy Ya
J Dilla – Take Notice
Kanye West – Get Em High
Erykah Badu – The Healer
Bobby Hutcherson – Montara
J.Rocc – Stay Fresh
Sleep Walker – Wind Edit
Georgia Anne Muldrow – How Would You Feel?
Taylor McFerrin – Awake To You